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ganisations and wind farm developers against a backdrop “We encourage organisations who are considering future of safety incidents in the wind sector. Research carried out opportunities across the energy mix to consider this pro- by Strathclyde University in 2024 found safety incidents gram along with Connected Competence and look forward on offshore wind assets are four times higher than those to future inclusion within the Energy Skills Passport.” in oil and gas. Oil and gas production in the UK is believed to have

One of the biggest drivers behind Connected Compe- now peaked. The Government announced, as part of its tence is to help avoid workplace incidents and accidents by goal to make the UK a ‘clean energy superpower’, that it assuring a base level of ongoing technical competence for will not issue any new oil and gas licences for the North all workers to create a safer, and more productive working Sea. Since then it confrmed it will undertake consultation environment for everyone. on the future of oil and gas licensing to support operations

Katy Heidenreich, Supply Chain and People Director of existing felds for the entirety of their lifespan.

from OEUK, said: “The pilot program is an exciting ini- Those existing felds will need workers to maintain and tiative that dovetails into our work on the Energy Skills ultimately decommission North Sea assets whilst the off-

Passport. shore wind sector sees rapid growth.

“The Connected Competence initiative and the cross- There is a clear case to support the industry’s supply skilling program offer the essential skills required to deliver chain to cross-skill existing workers to service both the the homegrown oil and gas the UK needs for decades to operations and maintenance of late-life oil and gas assets come alongside renewable energy. whilst also being deployed to wind and manage an inte- “This complements the Energy Skills Passport in allow- grated transition.

ing people to make informed decisions about their jobs For more information or to register interest in the program and future and be supported in doing so. please contact [email protected] march/april 2025 OFFSHORE ENGINEER 67